Across Asia, numbers carry meaning far beyond their mathematical value. Some numbers bring joy and prosperity such as 8, 0, and sometimes even 5; others can spark anxiety or caution, like 2, 3, or 4. Among them, the number 9 holds a uniquely layered place in cultural imagination, ranging from representing longevity and eternity to being viewed with ambivalence or even inauspiciousness in certain traditions. So join me in exploring why the number 9 is such a powerful symbol throughout the continent, but at the same time, why in some places people avoid celebrating birthdays that end in 9.
In Chinese culture, the number 9 (九, jiǔ) often signifies longevity and eternity, because it sounds like the word 久 (jiǔ, “long-lasting”). This has made it traditionally auspicious: nine dragons are a recurring theme in imperial art, and nine was historically linked to the emperor’s power and the heavenly mandate. If you remember, I wrote an earlier blog about 9 lucky frogs in Feng Shui. Yet, 9 can also carry risk-laden symbolism in certain folk interpretations. Some traditional Feng Shui views suggest that each nine-year cycle marks a turning point in life — a moment of transformation that can bring challenge or transition rather than straightforward luck. Because of this, some families historically shy away from celebrating birthdays at ages ending in 9 (like 19, 29, 39, etc.), treating them as threshold years requiring caution or ritual rather than festivity.
In Japan, the number 9 (ku) has a dual nature in cultural psyche. On the one hand, it can signify endurance or long life. On the other, it is sometimes avoided because the pronunciation ku is homophonous with words for suffering, pain, or torture, giving it an unlucky edge in contexts where the negative connotation matters. This linguistic ambivalence has practical outcomes: in some settings, people may even avoid 9 in numbered spaces, or prefer alternative words to sidestep the least favorable associations.
In contrast to East Asian views, Thailand embraces 9 as an auspicious number. Here, 9 (เก้า — gao) sounds like the Thai word for progress or forward movement (gâo-nâa), making it a popular numeral for everything from auspicious dates to phone numbers and license plates. Instead of avoiding 9, businesses and individuals actively seek it out for luck and it is woven into celebratory and commercial practices throughout Thai society.
In the Philippines, superstition blends indigenous belief, Spanish colonial influence, Catholic practice, and regional folklore. While 9 is not as central as it is in other Asian cultures, some Filipinos who follow numerology or Feng Shui traditions associate the “Curse of Nines” with cycles of life and potential vulnerability. Certain practitioners believe that reaching an age ending in 9 signals the completion of a life cycle, after which fate may take a turn. For this reason, some people avoid big celebrations at ages like 19, 29, or 39, especially if they adhere to Chinese-influenced Feng Shui numerology.
What unites these diverse beliefs across China, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines is the idea that numbers are rich with cultural meaning, which are so much more than symbols on a page. Whether 9 is seen as a harbinger of progress, a marker of transition, or something to be handled with respect, these beliefs reflect how people make meaning out of chance, language, and life’s milestones.
The Esoteric Frog 
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